The Avenger · Chapter
XXIII: Clues at the Tower explained
Michael Brixan confronts Sir Gregory Penne about the murder of Lawley Foss, whose head was found on Chobham Common.
What happens
Michael Brixan confronts Sir Gregory Penne about the murder of Lawley Foss, whose head was found on Chobham Common. Penne claims a Malayan intruder attacked him, but Brixan discovers a blood-stained sword and signs of a struggle. Despite Penne's denials, Brixan presses for answers and searches the tower, uncovering further evidence.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Climax.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
Michael reaches his emotional and psychological peak as he confronts the horrifying reality of Lawley Foss’s d…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Crime and Justice
Brixan's investigation into Foss's murder and the search for evidence at Griff Towers.
- Deception and Appearances
Penne's lies about Foss's visit and the staged 'accident' to conceal his involvement.
- Colonialism and the 'Other'
Penne's dismissive and racist characterization of the 'Malayan fellow' as inherently violent.
Characters to notice
- Mike Brixan
Investigates Foss's murder, confronts Penne, and searches Griff Towers.
- Sir Gregory Penne
Bandaged and armed, he claims self-defense against a Malayan intruder but is implicated in Foss's death.
- Lawley Foss
His decapitated head is discovered on Chobham Common; he was last seen at Griff Towers.
- Stella Mendoza
Mentioned by Penne as a witness to Foss's departure from Griff Towers.
- Major George Staines
Present at the discovery of Foss's head and coordinates with Brixan.
Key passages
“Most of these Borneo folk are mad, and they’ll run amok on the slightest provocation.”
Penne claims that people from Borneo are inherently insane and prone to violent outbursts.
Reflects colonial prejudice and Penne's attempt to justify his actions.
“I have a warrant to search this house.”
Brixan falsely claims to have a legal authorization to search the premises.
Shows Brixan's determination to investigate despite lacking official paperwork.
“This is the head of a traitor.”
The note left with Foss's head labels him as a betrayer.
Connects to the theme of crime and justice, hinting at a motive.
